passive cooling

The head of the mandala is comprised of the administrative complex on the top of the hill while the main research center travels from south to north and wraps around a central courtyard. Attracted to the

The Karoo Desert in South Africa contains more biodiversity than any other arid region in the world. The award-winning Karoo Wilderness Center by Field Architecture is designed to provide resources for

This unconventional façade has turned out to be a wise energy choice for the International Grammer School in Sydney Australia. Recently claiming an award for the best use of glass for energy efficiency,

The unique solution was based on clustering prefabricated shipping containers to form housing pods. Six units per pod were stacked two units high and then connected to each other in a 'C' formation that

The lower level of the home is wrapped in glazing, which wards off excessive solar gain. To further aid in passive cooling, the stacked upper level overhangs the bottom, creating shade as well as privacy.

The building site is located on a triangular plot at the oblique intersection of two streets and was severely limited by height restrictions, acute boundaries, failed development plans and conservation

The single-minded design sensibility works hand-in-glove with passive solar building strategies to reduce and often eliminate the need for supplemental heat and light. Huge 18 foot glass doors open out to

Taking "New-Urbanism" to heart, studioMAS has designed a village that combines day-to-day green living with work and play. Without compromising privacy or security, De Land's numerous green-lined paths

It's clear that the Leaf House's roof is inspired by nature, and the reference to plants continues inside the home where a vine-like structural system "grows." "The design draws imagery from nature and

The Sala Visitor Centre introduces visitors to local viticulture and oenology by offering local wines and fine dining. An exhibition on local wines serves as the entrance to the center, then visitors are

If you pay the bills in your household, you probably know that cooling your home in the summer is one of the largest (and most expensive) drains on your energy bill. Well, Ecooler by Mey and Boaz Kahn is

Off the grid means many things to many people. The Cliff House on Muskoka Lakes, Ontario, interprets "off the grid" as grand self-sufficiency. Designed by Altius Architecture Inc, the home's form is both

Whew! Summer is definitely just around the corner. We can feel the humidity intensifying with each day in New York City and we know it will only be a matter of time before the heat will really be upon us.

Flowers markets are inspiring - the bright colors, the enchanting smells, and the hundreds of beautiful possibilities that can be created. And if you happen to come upon this new wholesale flower market

Outside of Rio de Janeiro, on a beautiful little beach with amazing blue water, sits a little house with a flowering roof that shades and protects like a big tropical banana leaf. Designed by Mareines +

Kimberly Ackert designed this beautiful off-the-grid residence for the "Monier Design Competition" in Australia. Nestled amid idyllic green environs in Perth, the warm wooden structure features an earthy

In architect-speak, a curtain wall refers to any facade- commonly glass- that provides no structural or load-bearing capacity for the building. But leave it to the genius of Japanese architect Shigeru Ban